School closures, reduced fire services and cancelled driving tests are just some of the possible outcomes that might occur from today’s public sector strike.

Members from Unison, GMB, Unite, the National Union of Teachers, the Fire Brigades Union and the Public and Commercial Services Union will walk out today over pay and pensions.

The national industrial action will affect a number of council departments, schools and fire services in the borough and learner drivers might also be faced with cancelled driving tests.

The Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council customer contact centre and Hinckley Hub reception will remain open but customers can expect delays and some officers may not be available.

There may also be a small number of peaceful pickets at the public entrance to the Hinckley Hub. Waste and recycling collections are expected to take place as usual.

Meanwhile, Leicestershire County Council is encouraging parents to check with their child’s school to see if they are still open.

Christine Blower, general secretary of the National Union of Teachers, said: “The Government is still failing to make progress on our trade dispute over teachers’ pay, pensions and workload. This action is the responsibility of a Government and Education Secretary who are refusing point blank to accept the damage their reforms are doing to the teaching profession.

“Strike action is a last resort for teachers and we deeply regret the disruption it causes parents and pupils. Teaching is one of the best jobs in the world but is being made one of the worst under Michael Gove and the coalition. It is time they listened.”

A reduced service by Leicestershire Fire and Rescue will be operated today as firefighters picket Hinckley station. Graham Vaux, secretary of the Leicestershire Fire Brigade Union, said: “The biggest message is to make sure people are being extra careful today. People should still dial 999 as normal if there is an emergency but services may not be as quick.”

Advice for learner drivers has also been issued as some examiners may be participating in the strike, meaning tests might have to be cancelled. Candidates with practical tests today are being told to attend as normal but if they find their test is cancelled the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) will provide a new date within five to 10 days and learners will be able to claim out-of-pocket expenses. Theory tests won’t be affected.

Speaking about the unions’ decision to strike over pay, a Local Government Association (LGA) spokesman said: “Local government staff have worked wonders while councils have been tackling the biggest funding cuts in living memory and we have no doubt that many will still be at work on the day of strike action.

“The pay offer we have made would increase the pay of most employees by 1% while the lowest paid would receive an increase of more than 4%. This is the fairest possible deal for our employees given the limits of what we can afford.

“This strike will not change the pay offer we have made, but it will mean those who take part lose a day’s pay.”

As part of the strike - which is the biggest public sector strike since 2010 - a march will take place in Leicester at 11.30am from King Street before moving to Town Hall Square for a rally.